The Chameleon

Inaugurated in 2016, Le Caméléon comprises a 300-seat performance hall, a sports facility and a multi-purpose room. Commissioned by the Clermont Auvergne metropolitan area (then known as Clermont Communauté) and the municipality of Pont-du-Château, the project was awarded to the firm of Rudy Ricciotti following a competitive tender.

Born(…)

Inaugurated in 2016, Le Caméléon comprises a 300-seat performance hall, a sports facility and a multi-purpose room. Commissioned by the Clermont Auvergne metropolitan area (then known as Clermont Communauté) and the municipality of Pont-du-Château, the project was awarded to the firm of Rudy Ricciotti following a competitive tender.

Born in 1952, Rudy Ricciotti is both architect and engineer. He has received the Grand Prix National de l’Architecture and the Gold Medal of the Académie d’Architecture Foundation, and he designed the Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée (MUCEM) in Marseille. His work combines original creative vision with state-of-the-art technical expertise. Ricciotti is particularly committed to integrating his buildings into their surroundings, following the principle of “sitology” advocated by architects Faye and Tournaire. This approach calls for designs to be closely connected to their site and to respect criteria of harmony, scale, form, texture, colour and space.

Constructed from anthracite-coloured concrete reminiscent of volcanic stone, the building is partly embedded in the ground so as not to compete with the view towards the Chaîne des Puys. Only two geometric volumes emerge at ground level, their green roofs helping them blend into the landscape.

Each year, Le Caméléon hosts several companies in residence for research, writing and design projects. Every season it presents around twenty dance, theatre and music productions, with a particular focus on circus arts and family-friendly events. Since 2018, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region has certified the venue as a recognised space for artistic emergence and creation.